Edward Said States By Said Analysis

While composing the essay “States”, Said compiled a large group of random photographs captured throughout Palestine. Inspired by these mysterious and unfamiliar images, Said attempts to add a sense of a personal touch to the essay. The incorporation of photographs helped depict the story of the exile of the Palestinian people. Despite Said not knowing these individuals who were photographed, these images allow the reader to have a clearer vision for the events in which he is describing, essentially humanizing the piece. The humanizing of exile stories allows readers to feel a deeper connection to what is being declared since there is another individual in which to relate. However, at times throughout the piece, he includes photos that do not

Honestly, before reading this piece, I never gave much thought how this could mean so much to someone to have a sense of connection to a specific area, essentially taking for granted the idea of staying in the same general area my whole life. During my fourth grade year of school, I did experience a residential move when my parents decided to build a home in a different part of the school district. Even though I still resided within the same school district, I now lived in a different township, which meant attending a different elementary school. This resulted in me having to adapt to new surroundings and new people, much like the Palestinian people were made to

Similarly, to many other college freshmen, I felt confused as to what city I now considered to call my home. To some, living in one area for seven months out of the year results in that area feeling like home. Just as this sensation is reached, each student returns home for holiday break and another disconnection is created. After living in my Pittsburgh dorm for three months and returning home to Reading for Thanksgiving break I actually felt a feeling of disconnect not only to the Reading area but even my own home. Being away for three months on my own was a time of transition, learning to adjust to new surroundings, gaining a sense of independence, and becoming familiar to a new city. After returning home on break I noticed some changes that occurred while I was away, things were not as familiar as they once were. Just a few simple remodeling changes to a shopping center in my area made me feel as though I were in a different city. Even my parent’s home felt different now due to a few decorating changes made while I was away. While these changes may seem trivial and not at all comparable to the Palestinian people's experiences, I feel it actually does give me somewhat of a sense of the disconnection they must have felt. It was almost as if I were an outsider looking at an area that was once so familiar. As time progresses I